Intelligent Backup Power System

ABSTRACT

Presented is a backup power system for a building that selectively provides power to particular circuits according to a power distribution priority profile. Power is applied sequentially to each particular circuit depending on the measured current loads of the particular circuits to which power has already been applied.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to backup power systems forbuildings, and more particularly to a backup power system thatselectively provides power to particular circuits according to a powerdistribution priority profile, where power is applied sequentially toeach particular circuit depending on the measured current loads of theparticular circuits to which power has already been applied.

2. Background Art

Emergency or backup power systems start providing power to a buildingwithin a few seconds after electricity from utility (power) lines hasbeen interrupted. In a typical backup power system configuration, powerlines and a backup generator are connected to a transfer switch. Whenelectricity from the power lines is interrupted, the transfer switchbreaks the connection between the power lines and the main breaker ofthe building and establishes a connection between the generator and themain breaker of the building. The generator thereafter provides power toall the circuit lines in the building. In this configuration, thegenerator must either supply enough power (with an additional safetymargin) to support the entire electrical load created by the building,or enough loads (e.g., lights, equipment, HVAC) must be manually shed sothat the generator is not overloaded.

One way to avoid having to use a generator that is big enough to supplypower to an entire building, or having to manually shed non-essentialcircuits and devices to avoid overloading the generator, is to connect abackup generator and only a single particular circuit line (i.e., from aparticular single circuit breaker) to a transfer switch. Whenelectricity from the power lines is interrupted, electricity stopsflowing to the breaker box and consequently stops flowing to the oneparticular circuit line. The transfer switch breaks the connectionbetween the one particular circuit line and the breaker box, andestablishes a connection between the generator and the one particularcircuit line. The generator thereafter provides power only to thedevices (i.e., lights, electrical outlets, equipment, etc) connected tothat circuit line. The problem with this configuration is that it isunlikely that all essential devices will be connected to the singlecircuit powered by the backup generator. Additionally, the singlepowered circuit is likely to include some non-essential devices that arepowered by the backup generator. Powering such non-essential devices isa waste of valuable electricity that could be used to power essentialdevices connected to other circuits.

In another configuration, a backup generator supplies power to adedicated circuit cabinet. All building circuits that are intended to bepowered by the generator must be routed to this cabinet. In thisconfiguration, adding or removing circuits from the group of circuitsreceiving backup power is very laborious and requires an electrician tore-route the circuits to/from the main breaker box.

Further, such backup power systems are not capable of providing power tocircuits and devices that are initially essential (e.g., elevatorscontaining people) and shedding those circuits and devices when theybecome non-essential after a short time (e.g., elevators after all thepeople have exited). Moreover, such backup power systems are not capableof prioritizing the circuits and devices to which power is supplied,i.e., provide power to the most critical circuits first, then to theless critical circuits if power is available. Current backup powersystems simply supply power to the circuits to which they are connected,and individual devices must be shed manually. Moreover, the circuits anddevices that are powered by such backup systems are predetermined andunalterable, and cannot be adjusted based on some event.

Consequently, there exists a need for a backup power system that iscapable of providing power to an entire building, prioritizing thesupply of power to essential circuits and devices, and automaticallyshedding all non-essential circuits and devices as available powerdictates.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that both the general and detailed descriptionsthat follow are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictiveof the invention

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, the invention involves a method of providingbackup power to each of a plurality of circuits in a building. Themethod includes a) supplying current to a first of the plurality ofcircuits according to a power distribution priority profile only ifavailable current is greater than a maximum current rating of the firstof the plurality of circuits, b) measuring a current load of the firstof the plurality of circuits after current has been supplied, c)subtracting the measured current load the first of the plurality ofcircuits from the available current, d) supplying current to a next ofthe plurality of circuits according to the power distribution priorityprofile only if the available current is greater than a maximum currentrating of the next of the plurality of circuits, e) measuring thecurrent load of the next of the plurality of circuits after current hasbeen supplied, f) subtracting the measured current load of the next ofthe plurality of circuits from the available current, and g) repeatingsteps d)-f) until each of the plurality of circuits is supplied current,the available current is not greater than a maximum current rating ofany of the plurality of circuits not being supplied current, or theavailable current reaches a predetermined minimum threshold.

In one embodiment, the power distribution priority profile is either aninitial power distribution priority profile or a long-term powerdistribution priority profile. Current is supplied to the plurality ofcircuits according to the initial power distribution priority profilefor a time period of 15-20 minutes following a loss of main power.Current is supplied to the plurality of circuits according to thelong-term power distribution priority profile after the time period15-20 minutes elapses and until main power is restored.

In another embodiment, the method further includes continuouslymeasuring the current load of each of the plurality of circuits beingsupplied current.

In still another embodiment, the method further includes shedding one ormore of the plurality of circuits being supplied current according tothe power distribution priority profile if the available current fallsbelow the predetermined minimum threshold.

In yet another embodiment, the method further includes sequentiallysupplying current to individual devices in electrical communication withone of the plurality of circuits. The method still further includesmeasuring the current load of the one of the plurality of circuits aftereach individual device is supplied current. The method still furtherincludes sequentially supplying current to the individual devices inelectrical communication with the one of the plurality of circuitsaccording to a device priority list. The device priority list is eitheran initial device priority list or a long-term device priority list.

In another aspect, the invention involves a method of providing backuppower to each of a plurality of circuits in a building. The methodincludes a) supplying current to a first of the plurality of circuitsonly if available current is greater than a maximum current rating ofthe first of the plurality of circuits, b) measuring a current load ofthe first of the plurality of circuits after current has been supplied,c) subtracting the measured current load the first of the plurality ofcircuits from the available current, d) supplying current to a next ofthe plurality of circuits only if the available current is greater thana maximum current rating of the next of the plurality of circuits, e)measuring the current load of the next of the plurality of circuitsafter current has been supplied, f) subtracting the measured currentload of the next of the plurality of circuits from the availablecurrent, and g) repeating steps d)-f) until each of the plurality ofcircuits is supplied current, the available current is not greater thana maximum current rating of any of the plurality of circuits not beingsupplied current, or the available current reaches a predeterminedminimum threshold.

In one embodiment, the method further includes continuously measuringthe current load of each of the plurality of circuits being suppliedcurrent.

In another embodiment, the method further includes shedding one or moreof the plurality of circuits being supplied current according to thepower distribution priority profile if the available current falls belowthe predetermined minimum threshold.

In still another embodiment, the method further includes executing stepsa)-g) according to a power distribution priority profile. The powerdistribution priority profile is either an initial power distributionpriority profile or a long-term power distribution priority profile.Current is supplied to the plurality of circuits according to theinitial power distribution priority profile for a time period of 15-20minutes following a loss of main power. Current is supplied to theplurality of circuits according to the long-term power distributionpriority profile after the time period 15-20 minutes elapses and untilmain power is restored.

In still another aspect, the invention involves a method of providingbackup power to a building. The method includes providing a generatorconfigured for providing electrical power to each of a plurality ofcircuits, and providing a plurality of computer controlled circuitswitches. Each of the plurality of computer controlled circuit switchesis in electrical communication with the generator and a respective oneof the plurality of circuits. Each of the plurality of computercontrolled circuit switches is configured for selectively enabling ordisabling electrical communication between the generator and therespective one of the plurality of circuits. The method further includesproviding a plurality of current sensors. Each of the plurality ofcurrent sensors is associated with a respective one of the plurality ofcomputer controlled circuit switches, and is configured for measuring acurrent load of the respective one of the plurality of circuits. Themethod further includes providing a switch controller in communicationwith each of the plurality of computer controlled circuit switches andeach of the plurality of current sensors. The switch controller isconfigured for controlling each of the plurality of computer controlledcircuit switches based on the measured current loads of the respectiveones of the plurality of circuits and according to a power distributionpriority profile.

In one embodiment, the power distribution priority profile includes theorder in which each of the plurality of computer controlled circuitswitches enables electrical communication between the generator and therespective one of the plurality of circuits.

In another embodiment, the method further includes providing a pluralityof computer controlled device switches in electrical communication withone of the plurality of circuits. Each of the computer controlled deviceswitches is configured for selectively enabling or disabling electricalcommunication between the generator and a connected device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures further illustrate the present invention.

The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale,emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principlesof the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numeralsdesignate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is an illustrative block diagram of a backup power system,according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative block diagram of a switch controller,according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A is an illustrative initial power distribution priority listconfiguration screen, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B is an illustrative initial power distribution priority listconfiguration screen, according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative initial device priority list, according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A is an illustrative long-term power distribution priority listconfiguration screen, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B is an illustrative long-term power distribution priority listconfiguration screen, according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is an illustrative long-term device priority list, according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is an illustrative power distribution management screen,according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 8A-8C are illustrative flow diagrams of the operation of thebackup power system of FIG. 1 using an initial power distributionpriority profile, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 9A-9C are illustrative flow diagrams of the operation of thebackup power system of FIG. 1 using a long-term power distributionpriority profile, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is an illustrative block diagram of a backup power system,according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is an illustrative block diagram of a backup power system,according to still another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is an illustrative block diagram of a backup power system,according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS FOR THE MAJOR ELEMENTS IN THE DRAWING

The following is a list of the major elements in the drawings innumerical order.

-   102 backup generator-   104 transfer switch-   106 electric meter-   108 utility lines-   110 switch controller-   112 device-   114 computer controlled device switch-   115 device switch control and status lines-   116 device-   118 computer controlled device switch-   120 circuit breaker box-   122 a electrical circuit line from breaker (130 a)-   122 b electrical circuit line from breaker (130 b)-   122 c electrical circuit line from breaker (130 c)-   124 a current sensor-   124 b current sensor-   124 c current sensor-   126 main circuit breaker-   128 computer controlled circuit breaker-   130 a computer controlled circuit breaker-   130 b computer controlled circuit breaker-   130 c computer controlled circuit breaker-   132 breaker control lines-   133 breaker status lines-   134 electrical circuit line-   136 electrical circuit line-   138 electrical circuit line-   140 device-   142 computer controlled device switch-   144 device-   146 computer controlled device switch-   202 processor-   204 memory-   206 switch control interface-   208 current sensor interface-   210 display-   212 mass storage device-   214 keyboard-   216 mouse-   300 initial power distribution priority profile configuration screen-   301 initial power distribution priority profile configuration screen-   302 initial power distribution priority profile-   303 initial power distribution priority profile-   304 initial priority profile selection drop down list-   306 drop down box activation button-   308 circuit name-   310 a-l breaker/switch/circuit selection drop down list-   312 drop down box activation button-   314 priority level-   316 a-l priority level selection drop down list-   318 drop down box activation button-   320 save profile as button-   322 profile name entry field-   324 connected devices-   326 a-l device list selection button-   342 initial power distribution priority profile name-   344 breaker/switch/circuit name-   346 current rating-   400 initial device priority list configuration screen-   401 initial device priority list-   402 circuit name section-   404 circuit name field-   405 circuit name-   406 enabled-   408 device name-   410 priority level-   412 a-l check box-   414 a-l device name field-   416 drop down box activation button-   418 a-l priority level selection drop down box-   420 back to circuit list button-   500 long-term power distribution priority list configuration screen-   501 long-term power distribution priority list configuration screen-   502 long-term power distribution priority profile-   503 long-term power distribution priority profile-   504 long-term priority profile selection drop down list-   506 drop down box activation button-   508 circuit name-   510 a-l breaker/switch/circuit selection drop down list-   512 drop down box activation button-   514 priority level-   516 a-l priority level selection drop down list-   518 drop down box activation button-   520 save profile as button-   522 profile name entry field-   524 connected devices-   526 a-l device list selection button-   542 long-term power distribution priority profile name-   544 breaker/switch/circuit name-   546 current rating-   600 long-term device priority list configuration screen-   601 long-term device priority list-   602 circuit name section-   604 circuit name field-   605 circuit name-   606 enabled-   608 device name-   610 priority level-   612 a-l check box-   614 a-l device name field-   616 drop down box activation button-   618 a-l priority level selection drop down box-   620 back to circuit list button-   700 power distribution management screen-   702 initial power distribution priority profile button-   704 current initial power distribution profile-   706 initial power distribution profile name field-   708 long-term power distribution priority profile button-   710 current long-term power distribution profile-   712 long-term power distribution profile name field-   802 transfer switch breaks connection between power lines and    breaker box-   804 transfer switch transmits status signal to switch controller-   806 transfer switch establishes connection between generator and    breaker box-   808 transfer switch transmits status signal to switch controller-   810 switch controller disables all computer controlled breakers and    device switches-   812 switch controller determines the circuit intended to receive    power-   814 obtain maximum current rating for the breaker/switch/circuit-   816 is the generator capable of supplying the required current?-   818 Enable the respective computer controlled circuit breaker-   820 bypass the breaker/switch/circuit-   822 obtain a measurement of the current load of the powered circuit-   824 subtract measured current load from generator supply current to    obtain remaining available supply current-   826 switch controller determines the next circuit intended to    receive power    -   are there additional circuits?-   828 obtain maximum current rating for the next    breaker/switch/circuit-   830 is the generator capable of supplying the required current?-   832 bypass the breaker/switch/circuit-   834 switch controller determines the device intended to receive    power are there additional devices?-   836 Enable the respective computer controlled device switch-   838 obtain a measurement of the current load of the powered circuit-   840 subtract measured current load from generator supply current to    obtain remaining available supply current-   842 is the generator capable of supplying the required current?-   902 switch controller disables computer controlled breakers/switches    that were enabled according to the initial power distribution    priority profile-   912 switch controller determines the circuit intended to receive    power-   914 obtain maximum current rating for the breaker/switch/circuit-   916 is the generator capable of supplying the required current?-   918 Enable the respective computer controlled circuit breaker-   920 bypass the breaker/switch/circuit-   922 obtain a measurement of the current load of the powered circuit-   924 subtract measured current load from generator supply current to    obtain remaining available supply current-   926 switch controller determines the next circuit intended to    receive power    -   are there additional circuits?-   928 obtain maximum current rating for the next    breaker/switch/circuit-   930 is the generator capable of supplying the required current?-   932 bypass the breaker/switch/circuit-   834 switch controller determines the device intended to receive    power are there additional devices?-   936 Enable the respective computer controlled device switch-   938 obtain a measurement of the current load of the powered circuit-   940 subtract measured current load from generator supply current to    obtain remaining available supply current-   942 is the generator capable of supplying the required current?-   1002 computer controlled circuit switches-   1002 a computer controlled circuit switch-   1002 b computer controlled circuit switch-   1002 c computer controlled circuit switch-   1004 electrical circuit lines into circuit switches-   1004 a electrical circuit line into circuit switch-   1004 b electrical circuit line into circuit switch-   1004 c electrical circuit line into circuit switch-   1006 electrical circuit lines into current sensors-   1006 a electrical circuit line into current sensor-   1006 b electrical circuit line into current sensor-   1006 c electrical circuit line into current sensor-   1008 circuit breaker box-   1010 master circuit breaker-   1012 circuit breaker-   1014 a circuit breaker-   1014 b circuit breaker-   1014 c circuit breaker-   1102 circuit breaker box-   1104 circuit breaker-   1106 circuit breaker-   1108 circuit breaker-   1109 circuit breaker-   1110 device switch-   1112 device-   1114 computer controlled device switch-   1115 device switch control and status lines-   1116 device-   1118 computer controlled device switch-   1120 device-   1122 electrical circuit line-   1124 current sensor-   1202 a computer controlled circuit switch-   1202 b computer controlled circuit switch-   1204 switch control lines-   1206 switch status lines-   1208 electrical circuit line-   1210 electrical circuit line-   1212 a current sensor-   1212 b current sensor

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated inthe drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe thesame. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scopeof the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and furthermodifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, andadditional applications of the principles of the inventions asillustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant artand having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered withinthe scope of the invention.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to”.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention involves a backup power system for a building(e.g., commercial, residential, government, or any other fixed or mobilestructure that receives/requires electrical power) that selectivelyprovides power to particular circuits according to a power distributionpriority profile. Power is applied sequentially to each particularcircuit on the power distribution priority list depending on themeasured current loads of the particular circuits to which power hasalready been applied.

Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a block diagram of a backuppower system is shown. The backup power system includes a backupgenerator (generator) 102, a transfer switch 104, a switch controller110, current sensors (generally 124), and remote (computer) controlleddevice switches 114, 118, 142, 146. The backup power system alsoincludes main circuit breaker 126, and remote (i.e., computer)controlled circuit breakers (i.e., switches) 128, 130 a, 130 b, 130 c,which are disposed in a breaker box 120.

The transfer switch 104 is in electrical communication with utilitylines 108 via an electric meter 106. The transfer switch 104 is also incommunication with the generator 102 and the switch controller 110.During normal operation, when electrical power is available via thepower lines 108, the transfer switch 104 connects the power lines 108 tothe breaker box 120. When power from the power lines 108 is interrupted(e.g., down power lines, blown/damaged local transformer), the transferswitch 104 detects the loss of power from the power lines 108 and breaksthe connection between the power lines 108 and the breaker box 120. Thetransfer switch 104 then establishes a connection between the generator102 and the breaker box 120, and turns on the generator 102, which thenprovides electrical power to the breakers in the breaker box 120. Thetransfer switch 104 also transmits status signals to the switchcontroller 110 to inform the switch controller 110 either that powerfrom the power lines 108 has been interrupted and that the generator 102is now supplying power, or that power from the power lines 108 isfunctioning properly.

The switch controller 110 provides switch control signals 132 (e.g.,open or close breaker/switch) to the computer controlled breakers 128,130 a, 130 b, 130 c, which replace conventional breakers typicallydisposed in the breaker box 120. The switch controller 110 receivesstatus signals 133 (e.g., breakers/switches open or closed) from thebreakers 128, 130 a, 130 b, 130 c. The switch controller 110 alsoprovides control signals (e.g., open or close) to, and receives statussignals (e.g., switch open or closed) from, the device switches 114,118, 142, 146 via lines 115. The switch controller 110 is described inmore detail below with respect to FIG. 2.

The computer controlled device switches 114, 118, 142, 146 controldevices 112, 116, 140, and 144, respectively. In various embodiments,the devices 112, 116, 140, and 144 include, but are not limited to, oneor more lights, one or more outlets, one or more hardwired machines,HVAC equipment, water pumps/systems, telephone systems, elevators,emergency systems, and security systems, and/or any other electricaldevice or system that is conceivably available in a building.

A plurality of individual electrical circuit lines (generally 122)originate and extend from the breaker box 120. Each of the individualelectrical circuit lines 122 is connected to a separate current sensor(generally 124). In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, only threecomputer controlled circuits are shown. Specifically, circuit line 122 a(from breaker 130 a) connects to current sensor 124 a, circuit line 122b (from breaker 130 b) connects to current sensor 124 b, and circuitline 122 c (from breaker 130 c) connects to current sensor 124 c.

In other embodiments, more or less computer controlled circuits (withcurrent sensors) are included. In a preferred embodiment, each of thecircuits connected to the breaker box 120 is a computer controlledcircuit. In other words, each of the breakers in the breaker box 120 isa computer controlled circuit breaker, and each computer controlledcircuit breaker is connected to a separate current sensor. In stillanother embodiment, a single current sensor is electrically connectedbetween the transfer switch 104 and the breaker box 120, and replacesthe individual current sensors 124 a, 124 b, and 124 c. This singlecurrent sensor continuously transmits the cumulative current load on thegenerator 102 to the switch controller 110.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the current sensor 124 a is connected to (ispart of) circuit 134, which includes device switches 114 and 118 anddevices 112 and 116. The current sensor 124 b connects to (is part of)circuit 136, which includes device switch 142 and device 140. Thecurrent sensor 124 c connects to (is part of) circuit 138, whichincludes device switch 146 and device 144. Each current sensor 124 a,124 b, 124 c measures the current load of the respective one of theplurality of circuits 134, 136, 138 by methods known to those skilled inthe art, and transmits/reports the measured current load to the switchcontroller 110.

Each breaker 130 a, 130 b, 130 c controls current flow to the respectivecircuit 134, 136, 138. Each computer controlled device switch 114, 118,146, and 142 controls current flow to the respective device 112, 116,140, and 144. Based on the cumulative measured current loads of thepowered circuits, the switch controller 110 determines whether or not toenable (turn on) the computer controlled breaker for the next circuit orthe device switch for the next device in the power distribution prioritylist.

Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the switch controller 110includes a processor 202, a memory 204, a switch control signalinterface 206, a current sensor interface 208, mass storage device(e.g., hard disk) 210, and an I/O interface 218.

The switch control signal interface 206 is digital I/O chip or board incommunication with the processor 202 and transmits digital controlsignals to, and receives digital status signals from, the remote(computer) controlled breakers 128, 130 a, 130 b, 130 c, and thecomputer controlled device switches 114, 118, 146, 142. The currentsensor interface 208 is also a digital I/O chip or board incommunication with the processor 202 and receives digital status signalsfrom the current sensors 124 a, 124 b, 124 c. The I/O interface 218 isalso a digital I/O chip or board in communication with the processor202, and is also in communication with a display 210, a keyboard 212,and a mouse 214. The I/O interface 218 also receives the status signalsfrom the transfer switch 104 that inform the switch controller 110either that power from the power lines 108 has been interrupted and thatthe generator 102 is now supplying power, or that power from the powerlines 108 is functioning properly.

A switch control program is stored on the hard disk 210 and executes onthe processor 202. The switch control program includes a user interfacethat allows an operator to set up various power distribution prioritylists (priority lists), which are also stored on the hard disk 210. Theswitch control program also includes code that enables the processor 202to control and interface with various connected devices.

After one or more priority lists are created and stored, the processor202 (executing the switch control program) loads the priority list(s)into memory 204, and then controls the various computer controlledbreakers 130 a, 130 b, 130 c and the computer controlled device switches114, 118, 146, 142 to enable and disable power (via the switch controlsignal interface 206) according to the currently loaded powerdistribution priority list and in response to current load informationreceived from the current sensors 124 a, 124 b, 124 c. The switchcontrol program is written in any appropriate computer language known tothose skilled in the art.

In various embodiments, the switch controller 110 also includes a floppydisk drive, a CD/DVD drive, a LAN card, and any of the possible computerinterface connections known to those skilled in the art, such as USB,Firewire, serial, and/or parallel connections, for example.

Referring to FIG. 3A, in one embodiment, an illustrative initial powerdistribution priority profile configuration screen 300 is shown. Theconfiguration screen 300, and other configuration screens describedbelow, are graphical user interfaces that are displayed on the display210 and are navigable using methods known to those skilled in the art,such as with the mouse 216 for clicking buttons, activating drop downmenus, and selecting items from the drop down menus, and with thekeyboard 214 for entering text in text entry fields.

The initial power distribution priority profile configuration screen 300is used to configure/create an initial (short term) power distributionpriority profile 302, which is a priority list of the building circuitsand/or devices that will receive backup power initially after a loss ofmain power. The selected circuits and/or devices will receive backuppower for only a short time (e.g., 15-20 minutes) so that people are notcaught in dark, dangerous, or inconvenient places (e.g., elevator orwindowless bathroom); so that particular machines can be properly shutdown (e.g., computers); and/or so that certain machines can finish aparticular task (e.g., manufacturing machines), for example. It shouldbe noted that certain sensitive or important circuits and/or devicescould also be connected to an uninterruptable power supply so that thereis no power loss during the transition from utility line power to backupgenerator power.

The initial power distribution priority profile configuration screen 300includes an initial power distribution priority profile drop down list304, which is used to load a previously configured/saved initial powerdistribution priority profile. The desired initial power distributionpriority profile name 342 is selected from the initial powerdistribution priority profile drop down list 304 by using drop downbutton 306. The initial power distribution priority profileconfiguration screen 300 further includes a circuit name column 308, apriority level column 314, a “save profile as” button 320, and a“profile name” text entry field 322.

The circuit name column 308 includes breaker/switch/circuit selectiondrop down lists 310 a-l, which are activated by using respective dropdown buttons 312. The drop down lists 310 a-l each include a completelist of the names 344 of the computer controlled breakers (e.g.,“Breaker 1”) (see FIG. 1), or computer controlled switches (e.g.,“Switch 1”) (see FIG. 10), or the circuits connected to such computercontrolled breakers or switches (e.g., “emergency lights”), which arecontrolled by, and report to, the switch controller 110. The drop downlists 310 a-l each also include corresponding maximum currentratings/loads 346 for each of the listed breakers, switches, orcircuits.

The priority level column 314 includes priority level selection dropdown lists 316 a-l, which are activated by using respective drop downbuttons 318. The drop down lists 316 a-l each include a list of prioritylevels. One of the priority levels in a particular drop down list 316a-l is assigned to the particular breaker/switch/circuit that wasselected from the associated breaker/switch/circuit selection drop downlist 310 a-l.

If an operator configures/creates a new initial power distributionpriority profile, the operator can save it to a new profile by enteringthe new profile name in the entry field 322 and pressing the “saveprofile as” button 320 with a mouse click. Similarly, if an operatoredits an existing initial power distribution priority profile and wishesto save the edited profile, the operator can overwrite the existingprofile by entering the existing profile name in the entry field 322 andpressing the “save profile as” button 320 with a mouse click. In thecase of overwriting a profile, a message requesting confirmation will bedisplayed.

Still referring to the example shown in FIG. 3A, the initial powerdistribution priority profile 302 currently loaded is named “initialpriority profile 1”. According to this particular initial priorityprofile, the circuit “breaker 1” (max current rating of 20 amps) isassigned a priority level of “1”; the circuit “breaker 2” (max currentrating of 20 amps) is assigned a priority level of “2”; the circuit“breaker 3” (max current rating of 20 amps) is assigned a priority levelof “3”; the circuit “breaker 4” (max current rating of 20 amps) isassigned a priority level of “4”; the circuit “breaker 5” (max currentrating of 20 amps) is assigned a priority level of “5”; the circuit“breaker 6” (max current rating of 20 amps) is assigned a priority levelof “6”; the circuit “breaker 7” (max current rating of 20 amps) isassigned a priority level of “7”; the circuit “breaker 8” (max currentrating of 20 amps) is assigned a priority level of “8”; the circuit“breaker 9” (max current rating of 50 amps) is assigned a priority levelof “9”; the circuit “breaker 10” (max current rating of 50 amps) isassigned a priority level of “10”; the circuit “breaker 11” (max currentrating of 50 amps) is assigned a priority level of “11”; and the circuit“breaker 12” (max current rating of 50 amps) is assigned a prioritylevel of “12”.

Consequently, shortly after power from utility lines is interrupted, thefirst circuit to receive power from the backup generator 102 is thecircuit “breaker 1”. Then, if the backup generator 102 is capable ofsupplying sufficient power (i.e., support the additional current load),the circuit “breaker 2” will next receive power. This same approach isused for the remaining circuits listed in the initial power distributionlist 340. However, in the present example, because the circuit “breaker12” has a priority level of “0”, even if the backup generator 102 isstill capable of supplying sufficient power after all the other circuitshave been powered, “breaker 12” will not receive power.

In another embodiment, all circuits with a priority level of “1” willturn on immediately (i.e., always-on circuits) and all decision logic isbypassed. In this embodiment, it is the responsibility of the operatorto ensure that the generator is capable of supplying enough power tohandle all priority “1” circuits so that the generator is notoverloaded.

Referring to FIG. 3B, in another embodiment, a different illustrativeinitial power distribution priority profile configuration screen 301with an initial power distribution priority profile 303 is shown. Thisembodiment includes the same features as the embodiment shown in FIG. 3Awith the addition of a connected devices column 324. The connecteddevices column 324 includes a respective device list button 326 a-l foreach of the circuits 310 a-l. When an operator presses one of the devicelist buttons 326 a-l, an initial device priority list configurationscreen 400 (see FIG. 4) is displayed on the display 210. The devicepriority list configuration screen 400 shows a list 401 of the devicesconnected to the corresponding circuit (shown in the correspondingcircuit selection drop down list 310 a-l), and is discussed in detailbelow with respect to FIG. 4.

In one embodiment, each circuit listed in the circuit name column 308 isassigned only one priority level, and two or more circuits cannot sharethe same priority level. In other embodiments, a particular circuit canhave more than one priority level, where the different priority levelsare associated with providing power to different devices in the samecircuit, and is discussed detail with respect to FIG. 4.

It should be noted that even though a particular circuit is assigned apriority level, and is intended to receive backup power, the particularcircuit might still not receive backup power if one or more circuitsthat have higher priorities draw enough current to reach the maximumcurrent that the backup generator can supply.

Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, an illustrative initial devicepriority list configuration screen 400 is shown. The initial devicepriority list configuration screen 400 is used to configure/create theinitial device priority list 401, which is a list of the devicesconnected to a particular circuit that will receive backup powerinitially after a loss of main power. The screen 400 includes a circuitname section 402, which lists/displays in a circuit name field 404 thename 405 of the circuit to which the devices in the initial devicepriority list 401 are connected. The screen 400 also includes an enabledcolumn 406, a device name column 408, a priority level column 410, an“enable all devices” option 424 with an associated check box 422, and a“back to circuit list” button 420.

The device name column 408 includes a name of each device 414 a-lconnected to the circuit listed in the circuit name field 404. Theenabled column 406 includes a check box 412 a-l associated with eachdevice 414 a-l. When a particular check box 412 a-l is checked (i.e.,includes an “x” therein, the corresponding device 414 a-l is enabled andwill receive power. Conversely, a device with a check box unchecked willnot receive power. The priority level column 410 includes priority levelselection drop down lists 418 a-l, which are activated by usingrespective drop down buttons 416. The drop down lists 418 a-l eachinclude a list of priority levels. One of the priority levels in aparticular drop down list 418 a-l is assigned to the particular device414 a-l that was selected by checking the corresponding check box 412a-l.

In another embodiment, instead of enabling or disabling devices usingcheck boxes 412 a-l, a device is automatically enabled if thecorresponding priority level is set to a number other than zero. If thecorresponding priority level of a particular device is set to zero (0),that particular device will not receive backup power.

When the check box 422 for the enable all devices option 424 is checked,all devices listed in the device name column 408 receive power when thecorresponding circuit 402 receives power. In this configuration,individual devices do not have separate priorities (i.e., all devicesreceive backup power, or none of the devices receive backup power).

When the operator wishes to return to the initial power distributionpriority list configuration screen, the operator simply presses (viamouse) the “back to circuit list” button 420. The initial devicepriority list 401 for each circuit 405 is part of, and stored in, theinitial power distribution priority profile 303.

Still referring to the example shown in FIG. 4, the circuit to which thedevices in the initial device priority list 401 are connected is“breaker 1”. According to this particular initial device priority list401, the devices “device 1”, “device 2”, and “device 3” are enabled. Thedevice “device 1” is assigned a priority level of “1”; the device“device 2” is assigned a priority level of “2”; and the device “device3” is assigned a priority level of “3”. The other devices on initialdevice priority list 401 are not enabled.

As mentioned above with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B, shortly after powerfrom utility lines is interrupted, the first circuit to receive powerfrom the backup generator 102 is the circuit “breaker 1”. However, theparticular devices connected to the circuit “breaker 1” receive poweraccording to the initial device priority list 401. Specifically, thefirst device to receive power is the device “device 1”. Then, if thebackup generator 102 is capable of supplying sufficient power (i.e.,support the additional current load), the device “device 2” will nextreceive power. Then, if the backup generator 102 is yet still capable ofsupplying sufficient power (i.e., support the additional current load),the device “device 3” will next receive power. This same approach isused for any remaining enabled devices listed in the long-term devicepriority list 601.

It should be noted that even though a particular device is assigned apriority level, and is intended to receive backup power, the particulardevice may still not receive backup power if one or more circuits and/orone or more devices that have higher priorities draw enough current toreach the maximum current that the backup generator can supply.

Referring to FIG. 5A, in one embodiment, an illustrative long-term powerdistribution priority profile configuration screen 500 is shown. Thelong-term power distribution priority list configuration screen 500 isused to configure/create a long-term power distribution priority profile502, which is a priority list of the building circuits and/or devicesthat will receive backup power after the time for using the initial(short term) power distribution priority list has elapsed, and untilmain power is restored.

The long-term power distribution priority list configuration screen 500includes a long-term power distribution priority profile drop down list504, which is used to load previously configured/saved long-term powerdistribution priority profile. The desired long-term power distributionpriority profile name 542 is selected from the long-term priorityprofile drop down list 504 by using the drop down button 506. Thelong-term power distribution priority profile configuration screen 500further includes a circuit name column 508, a priority level column 514,“save profile as” button 520, and a “profile name” entry field 522.

The circuit name column 508 includes breaker/switch/circuit selectiondrop down lists 510 a-l, which are activated by using respective dropdown buttons 512. The drop down lists 510 a-l each include a completelist of the names 544 of the computer controlled breakers (e.g.,“Breaker 5”), or computer controlled switches (e.g., “Switch 1”) or thecircuits connected to such computer controlled breakers or switches(e.g., “emergency lights”), which are controlled by, and report to, theswitch controller 110. The drop down lists 510 a-l each also includecorresponding maximum current ratings/loads 546 for each of the listedbreakers, switches, or circuits.

The priority level column 514 includes priority level selection dropdown lists 516 a-l, which are activated by using respective drop downbuttons 518. The drop down lists 516 a-l each include a list of prioritylevels. One of the priority levels in a particular drop down list 516a-l is assigned to the particular breaker/switch/circuit that wasselected from the associated breaker/switch/circuit selection drop downlist 510 a-l.

If an operator configures/creates a new long-term power distributionpriority list, the operator can save it to a new profile by entering thenew profile name in the entry field 522 and pressing the “save profileas” button 520 with a mouse click. Similarly, if an operator edits andexisting initial power distribution priority profile and wishes to savethe edited profile, the operator can overwrite the existing profile byentering the existing profile name in the entry field 522 and pressingthe “save profile as” button 520 with a mouse click. In the case ofoverwriting a profile, a message requesting confirmation will bedisplayed.

Still referring to the example shown in FIG. 5A, the long-term priorityprofile 502 currently loaded is named “long-term priority profile 1”.According to this particular long-term priority profile the circuit“breaker 5” (max current rating of 20 amps) is assigned a priority levelof “1”; the circuit “breaker 6” (max current rating of 20 amps) isassigned a priority level of “2”; the circuit “breaker 7” (max currentrating of 20 amps) is assigned a priority level of “3”; the circuit“breaker 1” (max current rating of 20 amps) is assigned a priority levelof “4”; the circuit “breaker 2” (max current rating of 20 amps) isassigned a priority level of “5”; the circuit “breaker 3” (max currentrating of 20 amps) is assigned a priority level of “6”; the circuit“breaker 4” (max current rating of 20 amps) is assigned a priority levelof “7”; the circuit “breaker 8” (max current rating of 20 amps) isassigned a priority level of “8”; the circuit “breaker 9” (max currentrating of 50 amps) is assigned a priority level of “9”; the circuit“breaker 10” (max current rating of 50 amps) is assigned a prioritylevel of “10”; the circuit “breaker 11” (max current rating of 50 amps)is assigned a priority level of “11”; and the circuit “breaker 12” (maxcurrent rating of 50 amps) is assigned a priority level of “12”.

Consequently, shortly after power from utility lines is interrupted, thefirst circuit to receive power from the backup generator 102 is thecircuit “breaker 5”. Then, if the backup generator 102 is capable ofsupplying sufficient power (i.e., support the additional current load),the circuit “breaker 6” will next receive power. This same approach isused for the remaining circuits listed in the initial power distributionlist 340. However, in the present example, because the circuit “breaker12” has a priority level of “0”, even if the backup generator 102 isstill capable of supplying sufficient power after all the other circuitshave been powered, “breaker 12” will not receive power.

In another embodiment, all circuits with a priority level of “1” willturn on immediately (i.e., always-on circuits) and all decision logic isbypassed. In this embodiment, it is the responsibility of the operatorto ensure that the generator is capable of supplying enough power tohandle all priority “1” circuits so that the generator is notoverloaded.

Referring to FIG. 5B, in another embodiment, a different illustrativelong-term power distribution priority list configuration screen 501 witha long-term power distribution priority profile 503 is shown. Thisembodiment includes the same features as the embodiment shown in FIG. 5Awith the addition of a connected devices column 524. The connecteddevices column 524 includes a respective device list button 526 a-l foreach of the circuits 510 a-l. When an operator presses one of the devicelist buttons 526 a-l, a device priority list configuration screen 600(see FIG. 6) is displayed on the display 210. The device priority listconfiguration screen 600 shows a list of the devices connected to thecorresponding circuit (shown in the corresponding circuit selection dropdown list 510 a-l), and is discussed in detail below with respect toFIG. 6.

Similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, in oneembodiment, each circuit listed in the circuit name column 508 isassigned only one priority level, and two or more circuits cannot sharethe same priority level. In other embodiments, a particular circuitlisted in the circuit name column 508 can have more than one prioritylevel, where the different priority levels are associated with providingpower to different devices in the same circuit (see FIG. 6).

It should be noted that even though a particular circuit is assigned apriority level, and is intended to receive backup power, the particularcircuit might still not receive backup power if one or more circuitsthat have higher priorities draw enough current to reach the maximumcurrent that the backup generator can supply.

Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, an illustrative long-term devicepriority list configuration screen 600 is shown. The long-term devicepriority list configuration screen 600 is used to configure/create along-term device priority list 601, which is a list of the devicesconnected to a particular circuit that will receive backup power afterthe time for using the initial (short term) power distribution prioritylist has elapsed, and until main power is restored. The screen 600includes a circuit name section 602, which lists/displays in a circuitname field 604 the name 505 of the circuit to which the devices in thelong-term device priority list 601 are connected. The screen 600 alsoincludes an enabled column 606, a device name column 608, a prioritylevel column 610, an “enable all devices” option 624 with an associatedcheck box 622, and a “back to circuit list” button 620.

The device name column 608 includes a name of each device 614 a-lconnected to the circuit listed in the circuit name field 604. Theenabled column 606 includes a check box 612 a-l associated with eachdevice 614 a-l. When a particular check box 612 a-l is checked (i.e.,includes an “x” therein, the corresponding device 614 a-l is enabled andwill receive power. Conversely, a device with a check box unchecked willnot receive power. The priority level column 610 includes priority levelselection drop down lists 618 a-l, which are activated by usingrespective drop down buttons 616. The drop down lists 618 a-l eachinclude a list of priority levels. One of the priority levels in aparticular drop down list 618 a-l is assigned to the particular device614 a-l that was selected by checking the corresponding check box 612a-l.

In another embodiment, instead of enabling or disabling devices usingcheck boxes 612 a-l, a device is automatically enabled if thecorresponding priority level is set to a number other than zero. If thecorresponding priority level of a particular device is set to zero (0),that particular device will not receive backup power.

When the check box 622 for the enable all devices option 624 is checked,all devices listed in the device name column 408 receive power when thecorresponding circuit 602 receives power. In this configuration,individual devices do not have separate priorities (i.e., all devicesreceive backup power, or none of the devices receive backup power).

When the operator wishes to return to the initial power distributionpriority list configuration screen, the operator simply presses (viamouse) the “back to circuit list” button 620. The initial devicepriority list 501 for each circuit 605 is part of, and stored in, thelong-term power distribution priority profile 503.

Still referring to the example shown in FIG. 6, the circuit to which thedevices in the long-term device priority list 601 are connected is“breaker 5”. According to this particular long-term device priority list601, the devices “device 1”, “device 2”, “device 3”, “device 4”, “device5”, and “device 6” are enabled. The device “device 1” is assigned apriority level of “1”; the device “device 2” is assigned a prioritylevel of “2”; the device “device 3” is assigned a priority level of “3”;the device “device 4” is assigned a priority level of “4”; the device“device 5” is assigned a priority level of “5”; and the device “device6” is assigned a priority level of “6”. The other devices on long-termdevice priority list 601 are not enabled.

As mentioned above with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B, shortly after powerfrom utility lines is interrupted, the first circuit to receive powerfrom the backup generator 102 is the circuit “breaker 5”. However, theparticular devices connected to the circuit “breaker 5” receive poweraccording to the long-term device priority list 601. Specifically, thefirst device to receive power is the device “device 1”. Then, if thebackup generator 102 is capable of supplying sufficient power (i.e.,support the additional current load), the device “device 2” will nextreceive power. This same approach is used for the remaining enableddevices listed in the long-term device priority list 601.

It should be noted that even though a particular device is assigned apriority level, and is intended to receive backup power, the particulardevice may still not receive backup power if one or more circuits and/orone or more devices that have higher priorities draw enough current toreach the maximum current that the backup generator can supply.

In other embodiments, certain devices, such as emergency lights or lifesupport equipment, for example, are listed on both the initial powerdistribution priority profile 302, 303 and the long-term powerdistribution list 502, 503.

Referring to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, a power distribution managementscreen 700 is shown. The screen 700 includes an initial powerdistribution priority profile button 702, a current power distributioninitial profile section 704, an initial power distribution profile namefield 706, a long-term power distribution priority profile button 708, acurrent long-term power distribution profile section 710, and along-term power distribution profile name field 712.

The initial power distribution priority profile button 702, whenpressed, causes the initial power distribution priority profileconfiguration screen 300, 301 to be displayed. The long-term powerdistribution priority profile button 708, when pressed, causes thelong-term power distribution priority profile configuration screen 500,501 to be displayed.

The current initial power distribution profile section 704lists/displays the name 342 of the currently loaded initial powerdistribution profile in the initial profile name field 706. The currentlong-term power distribution profile section 710 lists/displays in thename 542 of the currently loaded long-term power distribution profile inthe long term power distribution profile name field 712.

In other embodiments, the initial and long-term power distributionpriority profiles are configured according to the time of day and/or thetime year. For example, the initial and long-term power distributionpriority profiles would include supplying power to parking lot lightsonly at night. Further, the initial and long-term power distributionpriority profiles would include supplying power to the heating systemduring the winter months and supplying power to the air conditioningsystem during the summer months only during work hours.

In still another embodiment, the initial and long-term powerdistribution priority profiles are configurable in real time accordingto the various building occupants' needs. For example, assume aparticular computer is listed in the initial power distribution priorityprofile, and will at least receive power for 15-20 minutes after autility line power failure so that data/work can be saved and thecomputer can be properly shut down. Further, assume that this particularcomputer is not included in the long-term power distribution priorityprofile. Still further assume that at the time of a utility line powerfailure, the particular computer is processing important data and cannotbe shut down. In this situation, the computer operator can request thatthe particular computer be added to the long-term power distributionpriority profile so that the particular computer will continue toreceive power during the utility line power outage, and thus be able tocontinue/complete the data processing.

The backup power system operator need only edit/configure the long-termpower distribution priority profile (as described above) to include theparticular circuit that includes the particular computer. Alternatively,if the particular circuit that includes the particular computer isalready included in the long-term power distribution priority profile,the operator need only enable the particular computer via the long-termdevice priority list (see FIG. 6).

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 8A-8B, in one embodiment, operation of thecomplete backup power system using an initial power distributionpriority profile is described. As mentioned above, when power from thepower lines 108 is interrupted, the transfer switch 104 detects the lossof power from the power lines 108 and breaks the connection between thepower lines 108 and the breaker box 120 (Step 802). The transfer switch104 also transmits a status signal to the switch controller 110 thatpower from the power lines has been interrupted (Step 804). The transferswitch 104 then establishes a connection between the generator 102 andthe breaker box 120, and turns on the generator 102, which then provideselectrical power to the breakers in the breaker box 120 (Step 806). Thetransfer switch 104 then transmits status signals to the switchcontroller 110 to inform the switch controller 110 that the generator102 is now supplying power (Step 808).

Under normal operation (i.e., when power is provided over the utilitylines 108), the switch controller 110 keeps all the connected computercontrolled circuit breakers in the breaker box 120 (and computercontrolled device switches) closed/enabled so that all building circuitsreceive power. However, when the switch controller 110 receives thestatus signal from the transfer switch 104 that power from the powerlines 108 has been interrupted, the switch controller 110 opens/disablesall the connected computer controlled circuit breakers in the breakerbox 120 (and disables all computer controlled device switches) (Step810).

The switch controller 110 next consults the currently selected initialpower distribution priority profile 342 (see FIGS. 3A, 3B) to determinewhich unpowered building circuit is intended to receive power (Step812). More specifically, during a first pass, the unpowered circuit withthe highest priority listed in the priority profile 342 is intended toreceive power first. During a second pass, the next unpowered circuitwith the next highest priority level listed in the priority profile 342is intended to receive power second, and so on.

The generator 102 has a particular maximum current load rating (e.g.,200 A). This is the maximum current that the generator 102 can safelysupply to the building circuits. Each of the building circuits has amaximum current load, which is determined by the particular circuitbreaker connected thereto. For example, a particular circuit breakerrated for 20 A will allow up to a 20 A load before tripping. However,the actual load on the 20 A breaker may never reach 20 A.

The switch controller 110 obtains from the initial power distributionpriority profile the maximum current rating (e.g., 20 A) for the firstbreaker/switch/circuit (or the next if the first has been bypassed)listed in the profile (e.g., “breaker 1”, which is the circuit with apriority level of “1”, FIGS. 3A, 3B) (Step 814). The switch controller110 compares the maximum generator supply current with the maximumcurrent rating of the first breaker/switch/circuit to determine if thegenerator 102 is capable of supplying the required current (i.e.,support the current load of the circuit) (Step 816).

In other words, the switch controller 110 subtracts the maximum currentrating (i.e., load) of the first breaker/switch/circuit from the maximumgenerator supply current. In one embodiment, the difference betweenthese values must be greater than or equal to twenty percent of themaximum generator supply current (without a load). If the difference isless than twenty percent of the maximum generator supply current, thegenerator is deemed not capable of supporting the additional currentload. Twenty percent of the maximum generator supply current is a safetymargin in case one or more powered circuits draw more current thaninitially measured by the current sensors. In other embodiments, asmaller or larger safety margin is used.

If the generator 102 is capable of supplying the required current, theswitch controller 110 enables the respective computer controlled circuitbreaker (e.g., breaker 130 a, FIG. 1) so that the associated circuit(e.g., circuit 134, FIG. 1) receives power (Step 818).

If the generator 102 is not capable of supplying the required current,the switch controller 110 does not enable the respective computercontrolled circuit breaker (i.e., bypasses this particular circuitbreaker), and the associated circuit does not receive power (Step 820).The switch controller 110 again consults the currently selected initialpower distribution priority profile 342 to determine which unpoweredbuilding circuit is intended to receive power next (Step 812). Theswitch controller 110 then repeats Steps 814 and 816.

After Step 818, the switch controller 110 obtains a measurement of theactual current load of the first powered circuit (e.g., circuit 134,FIG. 1) from the associated current sensor (e.g., current sensor 124 a,FIG. 1) (Step 822). The switch controller 110 then subtracts thiscurrent load measurement from the maximum generator supply current toobtain the actual remaining available generator supply current (Step824). This remaining available generator supply current is the currentthat can be supplied to additional building circuits listed in theinitial power distribution priority profile.

After step 824, the switch controller 110 again consults the initialpower distribution priority profile 342 to determine the next unpoweredbuilding circuit that is intended to receive power (Step 826). If thereare no more circuits intended to receive power, the process ends. Ifthere are additional circuits intended to receive power, the switchcontroller 110 next obtains from the initial power distribution priorityprofile the maximum current rating for the next breaker/switch/circuitlisted in the profile (e.g., “breaker 2”, which is the circuit with apriority level of “2”, FIGS. 3A, 3B) (Step 828). The switch controller110 compares the available generator supply current (from Step 824) withthe maximum current rating of the next breaker/switch/circuit todetermine if the generator 102 is capable of supplying the requiredcurrent (Step 830).

If the generator 102 is capable of supplying the required current, theswitch controller 110 enables the respective computer controlled circuitbreaker (e.g., breaker 130 b, FIG. 1) so that the associated circuit(e.g., circuit 136, FIG. 1) receives power (Step 818). The switchcontroller 110 then again obtains a measurement of the actual currentload of the second powered circuit (circuit 136) from the associatedcurrent sensor (e.g., current sensor 124 b, FIG. 1) (Step 822), andsubtracts this current load measurement from the remaining availablegenerator supply current (Step 824) to obtain the new (now updated)actual remaining available generator supply current. The switchcontroller 110 then repeats steps 826, 828, and 830 as required.

If, however, the generator 102 is not capable of supplying the currentrequired by the particular circuit, the switch controller 110 does notenable the respective computer controlled circuit breaker, and theassociated circuit does not receive power (Step 832). The switchcontroller then repeats step 826. If there are no more circuits intendedto receive power, the process ends. If there are additional circuitsintended to receive power, the switch controller repeats steps 828 and830.

The switch controller 110 repeats the above steps for the nextbreaker/switch/circuit listed in the initial power distribution priorityprofile until all the listed circuits have been either enabled orbypassed. For example, assume that after the switch controller 110enables several circuits, the generator is capable of supplying onlytwenty-five more amps (while maintaining a twenty percent safetymargin). Then assume that the next two circuits listed in the priorityprofile have maximum current load ratings of 40 A and 20 A,respectively. In this case, the 40 A circuit would be bypassed while the20 A circuit would be enabled even though the 20 A circuit has a lowerpriority.

Referring to FIG. 8C, in another embodiment (see FIGS. 3B and 4), afterthe switch controller 110 enables a particular circuit as describedabove (i.e., Step 818), individual devices connected to that particularcircuit are provided with power sequentially according to each device'sassigned priority level. Specifically, the switch controller 110consults the initial device priority list 401 to determine if there isany device intended to receive power (Step 834). If there is no deviceintended to receive power, the process returns to Step 826. If there isa device intended to receive power (e.g., device 1, which is the devicewith a priority level of “1”, FIG. 4), the switch controller 110 enablesthe associated computer controlled device switch (e.g., device switch114, FIG. 1) so that the associated device (e.g., device 112) receivespower (Step 836).

The switch controller 110 then obtains a measurement of the actualcurrent load of the powered circuit (e.g., circuit 134) to which thepowered device (e.g., device 112) is connected from the associatedcurrent sensor (e.g., current sensor 124 a, FIG. 1) (Step 838). Theswitch controller 110 then subtracts this current load measurement fromthe maximum generator supply current to obtain the actual remainingavailable generator supply current that can be supplied to additionaldevices listed in the initial device priority list (Step 840). Theswitch controller 110 then determines if the generator 102 is capable ofsupplying additional current for a next device (Step 842). If thegenerator is capable of supplying additional current, the process movesto Step 834. If the generator is not capable of supplying additionalcurrent, the process moves to step 826.

The above process steps are repeated until all computer controlleddevice switches for the devices that are intended to receive power areenabled, or until it is determined that the generator 102 cannot supplyany more current.

The above-described feature enables more precise control of buildingpower distribution than is possible with conventional backup powersystems. More specifically, in the situation where a particular circuitincludes both essential and nonessential devices, the above-describedfeature enables powering of the essential devices without needlesslypowering the non-essential devices connected to the same circuit, aswith typical backup power systems.

Another situation in which the above-described feature is particularlyuseful is when the generator 102 cannot supply enough current to supportthe additional current load of an entire circuit, but can supply enoughcurrent to support the current load of one or a few devices. In thiscase, individual devices connected to a circuit are sequentiallyenabled/powered (rather than the entire circuit at once). This resultsin smaller current loads being incrementally added to the overallcurrent load, and thus incrementally approaching the backup generatorsupply current limit.

As mentioned above, the circuits listed in the initial powerdistribution priority profile are intended to receive backup power foronly about 15-20 minutes, or for some other predetermined amount of time(i.e., initial priority time period). If this predetermined amount oftime expires and power from the utility lines has not been restored, theswitch controller 110 enables the computer controlled breakers/switchesaccording to the long-term power distribution priority profile 542(FIGS. 5A and 5B), which is described in detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 9A-9B, in one embodiment, operation of thecomplete backup power system using the long-term power distributionpriority profile 542 is described. After the initial priority timeperiod has expired, the switch controller 110 sheds (i.e., disables)computer controlled breakers/switches that were enabled according to theinitial power distribution priority profile 342 (902).

In one embodiment, the switch controller 110 simply sheds (disables) allcomputer controlled breakers/switches that were enabled according to theinitial power distribution priority profile 342 before sequentiallyenabling particular computer controlled breakers/switches according tothe long-term power distribution priority 542.

In another embodiment, the switch controller 110 sheds (i.e., disables)the computer controlled breakers/switches that were enabled according tothe initial power distribution priority profile 342 in reverse order(i.e., lowest priority first) as computer controlled breakers/switchesare enabled according to the long-term power distribution priorityprofile 542.

The switch controller 110 next consults the currently selected long-termpower distribution priority profile 542 (see FIGS. 5A, 5B) to determinewhich unpowered building circuit is intended to receive power (Step912). More specifically, during a first pass, the unpowered circuit withthe highest priority listed in the priority profile 542 is intended toreceive power first. During a second pass, the next unpowered circuitwith the next highest priority level listed in the priority profile 542is intended to receive power second, and so on.

The switch controller 110 obtains from the initial power distributionpriority profile the maximum current rating (e.g., 20 A) for the firstbreaker/switch/circuit (or the next if the first has been bypassed)listed in the profile (e.g., “breaker 5”, which is the circuit with apriority level of “1”, FIGS. 5A, 5B) (Step 914). The switch controller110 compares the maximum generator supply current with the maximumcurrent rating of the first breaker/switch/circuit to determine if thegenerator 102 is capable of supplying the required current (i.e.,support the current load of the circuit) (Step 916).

If the generator 102 is capable of supplying the required current, theswitch controller 110 enables the respective computer controlled circuitbreaker so that the associated circuit receives power (Step 918).

If the generator 102 is not capable of supplying the required current,the switch controller 110 does not enable the respective computercontrolled circuit breaker (i.e., bypasses this particular circuitbreaker), and the associated circuit does not receive power (Step 920).The switch controller 110 again consults the currently selected initialpower distribution priority profile 542 to determine which unpoweredbuilding circuit is intended to receive power next (Step 912). Theswitch controller 110 then repeats Steps 914 and 916.

After Step 918, the switch controller 110 obtains a measurement of theactual current load of the first powered circuit from the associatedcurrent sensor (Step 922). The switch controller 110 then subtracts thiscurrent load measurement from the maximum generator supply current toobtain the actual remaining available generator supply current (Step924). This remaining available generator supply current is the currentcan be supplied to additional building circuits listed in the initialpower distribution priority profile.

After step 924, the switch controller 110 again consults the initialpower distribution priority profile 542 to determine the next unpoweredbuilding circuit that is intended to receive power (Step 926). If thereare no more circuits intended to receive power, the process ends. Ifthere are additional circuits intended to receive power, the switchcontroller 110 next obtains from the initial power distribution priorityprofile the maximum current rating for the next breaker/switch/circuitlisted in the profile (e.g., “breaker 6”, which is the circuit with apriority level of “2”, FIGS. 5A, 5B) (Step 928). The switch controller110 compares the available generator supply current (from Step 924) withthe maximum current rating of the next breaker/switch/circuit todetermine if the generator 102 is capable of supplying the requiredcurrent (Step 930).

If the generator 102 is capable of supplying the required current, theswitch controller 110 enables the respective computer controlled circuitbreaker so that the associated circuit receives power (Step 918). Theswitch controller 110 then again obtains a measurement of the actualcurrent load of the second powered circuit from the associated currentsensor (Step 922), and subtracts this current load measurement from theremaining available generator supply current (Step 924) to obtain thenew (now updated) actual remaining available generator supply current.The switch controller 110 then repeats steps 926, 928, and 930 asrequired.

If, however, the generator 102 is not capable of supplying the currentrequired by the particular circuit, the switch controller 110 does notenable the respective computer controlled circuit breaker, and theassociated circuit does not receive power (Step 932). The switchcontroller 110 then repeats step 926. If there are no more circuitsintended to receive power, the process ends. If there are additionalcircuits intended to receive power, the switch controller 110 repeatssteps 928 and 930.

The switch controller 110 repeats the above steps for the nextbreaker/switch/circuit listed in the long-term power distributionpriority profile until all the listed circuits have been either enabledor bypassed.

Referring to FIG. 9C, in another embodiment (see FIGS. 5B and 6), afterthe switch controller 110 enables a particular circuit as describedabove (i.e., Step 918), individual devices connected to that particularcircuit are provided with power sequentially according to each device'sassigned priority level. Specifically, the switch controller 110consults the long-term device priority list 601 to determine if there isany device intended to receive power (Step 934). If there is no deviceintended to receive power, the process returns to Step 926. If there isa device intended to receive power (e.g., device 1, which is the devicewith a priority level of “1”, FIG. 6), the switch controller 110 enablesthe associated computer controlled device switch (Step 936).

The switch controller 110 then obtains a measurement of the actualcurrent load of the powered circuit to which the powered device isconnected from the associated current sensor (Step 938). The switchcontroller 110 then subtracts this current load measurement from themaximum generator supply current to obtain the actual remainingavailable generator supply current that can be supplied to additionaldevices listed in the long-term device priority list (Step 940). Theswitch controller 110 then determines if the generator 102 is capable ofsupplying additional current for a next device (Step 942). If thegenerator is capable of supplying additional current, the process movesto Step 934. If the generator is not capable of supplying additionalcurrent, the process moves to step 926.

The above process steps are repeated until all computer controlleddevice switches for the devices that are intended to receive power areenabled, or until it is determined that the generator 102 cannot supplyany more current.

During the above described process, the switch controller 110, whetherenabling circuits or devices according to the initial or long-term powerdistribution profiles, continues to monitor the total current load (viathe current sensors 124) to ensure that the generator 102 is notoverloaded due to additional devices being added to previously enabledcircuits. For example, assume that a previously enabled circuit includesone or more electrical outlets, and that at the time the particularcircuit was enabled and its current load measured, no devices wereconnected to the one or more electrical outlets. Next, assume that sometime thereafter one or devices are connected to the one or more outlets,which results in an increased current load of the particular enabledcircuit. In the event the additional current load drives the cumulativecurrent load beyond the predetermined safety margin, the switchcontroller 110 will shed the lowest priority devices or circuits toreduce the cumulative current load on the generator 102. If thecumulative current load on the generator 102 drops below thepredetermined safety margin, any low priority devices or circuitspreviously shed will be re-enabled by the switch controller 110according to the initial or long-term power distribution profiles.

In another embodiment, the switch controller 110 would re-enablepreviously shed circuits or devices only after a predetermined (oruser-configured) time delay. This delay before re-enabling a particularcircuit or device would prevent the circuit or device from being rapidlytoggled off then on again. Such an “off then on” oscillation coulddamage sensitive equipment.

In conventional backup power systems, only the maximum current loads ofthe connected circuits are considered when determining how many circuitscan be supported by the backup system. For example, assume that atypical backup power system supplies 100 A. Eighty amps of current wouldbe used to power circuits and twenty amps would be used for a safetymargin. Further assume that there were ten 20 A circuits intended toreceive power. Clearly, the power supply would only be able to supportfour of these 20 A circuits.

In contrast conventional backup power systems, the disclosed backuppower system measures the actual current load of each powered circuit inorder to determine the actual remaining available current, which is usedto power additional circuits. Using the same example as above, assumethat the actual current load of each of the 20 A rated circuits was only10 A. The backup power supply would be able to support eight of the 20 Acircuits because each circuit is only drawing 10 A. Thus, using thedisclosed system enables more circuits to be powered and preventsavailable current from going unused and wasted.

It should be noted that if the transfer switch 104 detects that powerfrom the utility lines 108 has been restored at any time during theprocesses described above, the transfer switch 104 sends a status signalto the switch controller 110 to inform the switch controller that mainpower has been restored. The switch controller 110 then disables allcomputer controlled breakers/switches and waits for a second statussignal from the transfer switch. The transfer switch 104 breaks theconnection between the generator 102 and the breaker box 120, and thenestablishes the connection between the power lines 108 and the breakerbox 120. The transfer switch 104 then sends the second status signal tothe switch controller 100 to inform the switch controller 110 that mainpower is now available. In response to the second status signal, theswitch controller 110 enables all computer controlled breakers/switchessequentially, thereby allowing all building circuits and devices toreceive power.

Referring to FIG. 10, in another embodiment, a block diagram of a backuppower system is shown. This embodiment of the backup power system issimilar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and includes the backupgenerator (generator) 102, the transfer switch 104, the switchcontroller 110, the current sensors (generally 124), and the remote(computer) controlled device switches 114, 118, 142, 146. Thisembodiment of the backup power system also includes computer controlledcircuit switches (generally 1002) (e.g., digitally controlled TRIACs)and conventional circuit breakers 1010, 1012, 1014 a, 1014 b, 1014 c,which are disposed in a breaker box 1008.

The switch controller 110 provides switch control signals 132 (e.g.,open or close breaker/switch) to the computer controlled circuitswitches 1002. The switch controller 110 receives status signals 133(e.g., breakers/switches open or closed) from the circuit switches 1002.The switch controller 110 also provides control signals (e.g., open orclose) to, and receives status signals (e.g., switch open or closed)from, the computer controlled device switches 114, 118, 142, 146 vialines 115.

A plurality of individual electrical circuit lines (generally 1004)originate and extend from the breaker box 1008. Each of the individualelectrical circuit lines 1004 is connected to a separate circuit switch1002. Each of the separate circuit switches 1002 is connected to anindividual electrical circuit line (generally 1006). Each of theindividual electrical circuit lines 1006 is connected to a currentsensor (generally 124).

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10, only three computercontrolled circuits are shown. Specifically, circuit line 1004 a (frombreaker 1014 a) connects to circuit switch 1002 a, which connects tocurrent sensor 124 a via circuit line 1006 a; circuit line 1004 b (frombreaker 1014 b) connects to circuit switch 1002 b, which connects tocurrent sensor 124 b via circuit line 1006 b; and circuit line 1004 c(from breaker 1014 c) connects to circuit switch 1002 c, which connectsto current sensor 124 c via circuit line 1006 c.

In other embodiments, more or less computer controlled circuits (withcurrent sensors) are included. In a preferred embodiment, each of thecircuits connected to the breaker box 1008 are connected to a computercontrolled circuit switch. In other words, all the circuits originatingfrom the breaker box 1008 can be enabled or disabled via computercontrolled circuit switches, and each circuit is connected to a separatecurrent sensor.

Still referring to FIG. 10, the current sensor 124 a is connected to (ispart of) circuit 134, which includes computer controlled device switches114, 118 and devices 112 116. The current sensor 124 b connects to (ispart of) circuit 136, which includes computer controlled device switch142 and device 140. The current sensor 124 c connects to (is part of)circuit 138, which includes computer controlled device switch 146 anddevice 144. Each current sensor 124 a, 124 b, 124 c measures the currentload of the respective one of the plurality of circuits 134, 136, 138 bymethods known to those skilled in the art, and transmits/reports themeasured current load to the switch controller 110.

Each computer controlled circuit switch 1002 a, 1002 b, 1002 c controlscurrent flow to the respective circuit 134, 136, 138. Each device switch114, 118, 146, 142 controls current flow to the respective device 112,116, 140, 144. Based on the cumulative measured current loads of thepowered circuits and devices, the switch controller 110 determineswhether or not to enable (turn on) the computer controlled circuitswitch for the next circuit or the computer controlled device switch forthe next device listed in the power distribution priority profile, whichis described in detail above.

Referring to FIG. 11, in yet another embodiment, a block diagram of abackup power system is shown. In contrast to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1 and 10, which are configured for providing backup power to mostor all building circuits, the embodiment of FIG. 11 is configured forproviding backup power to only one building circuit (i.e., a circuitconnected to one particular circuit breaker).

The backup power system of FIG. 11 includes the backup generator 102,the transfer switch 104, the switch controller 110, a current sensor1124, remote (computer) controlled device switches 1110, 1114, 1118, amaster circuit breaker 1104, and conventional circuit breakers 1106,1108, and 1109, which are disposed in a breaker box 1102.

The switch controller 110 provides control signals (e.g., open or close)to, and receives status signals (e.g., switch open or closed) from, thecomputer controlled device switches 1110, 1114, 1118 via lines 1115.Each computer controlled device switch 1110, 1114, 1118 controls currentflow to the respective device 1112, 1116, 1120.

The current sensor 1124, the computer controlled device switches 1110,1114, 1118, and the devices 1112, 1116, 1120 are part of circuit 1122.The current sensor 1124 measures the current load of the circuit 1122 bymethods known to those skilled in the art, and transmits/reports themeasured current load to the switch controller 110.

Under normal operation, when power is supplied via the power lines 108,each of the breakers in the breaker box 1102 allows current to flow tothe respective connected circuits throughout the building. The transferswitch 104, which is disposed between the circuit breaker 1109 and thecircuit 1122, allows current to flow to circuit 1122. When power isinterrupted, electrical power to the breaker box 1102 stops.Consequently, current stops flowing to the transfer switch 104 fromcircuit breaker 1109. The transfer switch 104 then functions aspreviously described in detail above, and power is provided by thegenerator 102 (through the transfer switch 104) to only the circuit 1122(and devices connected thereto).

In response to the current measurements made by the current sensor 1124(i.e., based on the cumulative current load of the devices in thecircuit 1122), the switch controller 110 sequentially enables thecomputer controlled device switches 1110, 1114, 1118 according to theinitial and long-term power distribution priority profiles, as describedin detail above.

Referring to FIG. 12, in still another embodiment, a block diagram of abackup power system is shown. This embodiment of the backup power systemis a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11. Specifically, FIG. 12shows the circuit originating from circuit breaker 1109 being dividedinto two separate circuits.

The backup power system of FIG. 12 includes the backup generator 102,the transfer switch 104, computer controlled circuit switches 1202 a,1202 b, the switch controller 110, current sensor 1212 a, 1212 b,computer controlled device switches 1110, 1114, 1118, a master circuitbreaker 1104, and the conventional circuit breakers 1106, 1108, and1109, which are disposed in the breaker box 1102.

The switch controller 110 provides control signals 1206 to, and receivesstatus signals 1204 from, the computer controlled switches 1202 a, 1202b. The switch controller 110 also provides control signals (e.g., openor close) to, and receives status signals (e.g., switch open or closed)from, the computer controlled device switches 1110, 1114, 1118 via lines1115. Each computer controlled device switch 1110, 1114, 1118 controlscurrent flow to the respective device 1112, 1116, 1120.

The current sensor 1212 a, the computer controlled device switch 1118and the device 1120 are part of circuit 1208. The current sensor 1212 b,the computer controlled device switches 1110, 1114, and the devices1112, 1116, are part of circuit 1210. The transfer switch 104 isdisposed between the generator 102 and the computer controlled circuitswitches 1202 a, 1202 b. The computer controlled circuit switch 1202 aallows current to flow from the transfer switch 104 to the circuit 1208and the computer controlled current switch 1202 b allows current to flowfrom the transfer switch to the circuit 1210. The current sensor 1212 ameasures the current load of the circuit 1208 and the current sensor1212 b measures the current load of the circuit 1210. Both currentmeasurements are transmitted to the switch controller 110.

Under normal operation, when power is supplied via the power lines 108,each of the breakers in the breaker box 1102 allows electricity to flowto the respective connected circuits throughout the building. When poweris interrupted, electrical power to the breaker box 1102 stops.Consequently, current stops flowing to the transfer switch 104 fromcircuit breaker 1109. The transfer switch 104, which is disposed betweenthe circuit breaker 1109 and the current switches 1202 a, 1202 b, thenfunctions as previously described in detail above, and power is providedby the generator 102.

In response to the current measurements made by the current sensors 1212a, 1212 b (i.e., based on the measured cumulative current load), theswitch controller 110 sequentially enables the computer controlledcircuit switches 1202 a, 1202 b and the computer controlled deviceswitches 1110, 1114, 1118 according to the initial and long-term powerdistribution priority profiles, as described in detail above.

LIST OF ACRONYMS USED IN THE DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following is a list of the acronyms used in the specification inalphabetical order.

-   A Amperes-   TRIAC triode for alternating current

ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

Variations, modifications, and other implementations of what isdescribed herein may occur to those of ordinary skill in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, theinvention is not to be defined only by the preceding illustrativedescription.

1. A method of providing backup power to each of a plurality of circuitsin a building, the method comprising: a) supplying current to a first ofthe plurality of circuits according to a power distribution priorityprofile only if available current is greater than a maximum currentrating of the first of the plurality of circuits; b) measuring a currentload of the first of the plurality of circuits after current has beensupplied; c) subtracting the measured current load the first of theplurality of circuits from the available current; d) supplying currentto a next of the plurality of circuits according to the powerdistribution priority profile only if the available current is greaterthan a maximum current rating of the next of the plurality of circuits;e) measuring the current load of the next of the plurality of circuitsafter current has been supplied; f) subtracting the measured currentload of the next of the plurality of circuits from the availablecurrent; g) repeating steps d)-f) until each of the plurality ofcircuits is supplied current, the available current is not greater thana maximum current rating of any of the plurality of circuits not beingsupplied current, or the available current reaches a predeterminedminimum threshold.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the powerdistribution priority profile is either an initial power distributionpriority profile or a long-term power distribution priority profile. 3.The method of claim 2, wherein current is supplied to the plurality ofcircuits according to the initial power distribution priority profilefor a time period of 15-20 minutes following a loss of main power. 4.The method of claim 3, wherein current is supplied to the plurality ofcircuits according to the long-term power distribution priority profileafter the time period 15-20 minutes elapses and until main power isrestored.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising continuouslymeasuring the current load of each of the plurality of circuits beingsupplied current.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising sheddingone or more of the plurality of circuits being supplied currentaccording to the power distribution priority profile if the availablecurrent falls below the predetermined minimum threshold.
 7. The methodof claim 1, further comprising sequentially supplying current toindividual devices in electrical communication with one of the pluralityof circuits.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising measuring thecurrent load of the one of the plurality of circuits after eachindividual device is supplied current.
 9. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising sequentially supplying current to the individual devices inelectrical communication with the one of the plurality of circuitsaccording to a device priority list.
 10. The method of claim 9, whereinthe device priority list is either an initial device priority list or along-term device priority list.
 11. A method of providing backup powerto each of a plurality of circuits in a building, the method comprising:a) supplying current to a first of the plurality of circuits only ifavailable current is greater than a maximum current rating of the firstof the plurality of circuits; b) measuring a current load of the firstof the plurality of circuits after current has been supplied; c)subtracting the measured current load the first of the plurality ofcircuits from the available current; d) supplying current to a next ofthe plurality of circuits only if the available current is greater thana maximum current rating of the next of the plurality of circuits; e)measuring the current load of the next of the plurality of circuitsafter current has been supplied; f) subtracting the measured currentload of the next of the plurality of circuits from the availablecurrent; g) repeating steps d)-f) until each of the plurality ofcircuits is supplied current, the available current is not greater thana maximum current rating of any of the plurality of circuits not beingsupplied current, or the available current reaches a predeterminedminimum threshold.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprisingcontinuously measuring the current load of each of the plurality ofcircuits being supplied current.
 13. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising shedding one or more of the plurality of circuits beingsupplied current according to the power distribution priority profile ifthe available current falls below the predetermined minimum threshold.14. The method of claim 11, further comprising executing steps a)-g)according to a power distribution priority profile.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the power distribution priority profile is either aninitial power distribution priority profile or a long-term powerdistribution priority profile.
 16. The method of claim 15, whereincurrent is supplied to the plurality of circuits according to theinitial power distribution priority profile for a time period of 15-20minutes following a loss of main power.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein current is supplied to the plurality of circuits according tothe long-term power distribution priority profile after the time period15-20 minutes elapses and until main power is restored.
 18. A method ofproviding backup power to a building, the method comprising: providing agenerator configured for providing electrical power to each of aplurality of circuits; providing a plurality of computer controlledcircuit switches, each of the plurality of computer controlled circuitswitches being in electrical communication with the generator and arespective one of the plurality of circuits, each of the plurality ofcomputer controlled circuit switches being configured for selectivelyenabling or disabling electrical communication between the generator andthe respective one of the plurality of circuits; providing a pluralityof current sensors, each of the plurality of current sensors beingassociated with a respective one of the plurality of computer controlledcircuit switches, and being configured for measuring a current load ofthe respective one of the plurality of circuits; and providing a switchcontroller in communication with each of the plurality of computercontrolled circuit switches and each of the plurality of currentsensors, the switch controller being configured for controlling each ofthe plurality of computer controlled circuit switches based on themeasured current loads of the respective ones of the plurality ofcircuits and according to a power distribution priority profile.
 19. Themethod of claim 18, wherein the power distribution priority profilecomprises the order in which each of the plurality of computercontrolled circuit switches enables electrical communication between thegenerator and the respective one of the plurality of circuits.
 20. Themethod of claim 18, further comprising providing a plurality of computercontrolled device switches in electrical communication with one of theplurality of circuits, wherein each of the computer controlled deviceswitches is configured for selectively enabling or disabling electricalcommunication between the generator and a connected device.